Water leak detection systems and methods for an internal cabin of an aircraft

ABSTRACT

A vehicle includes an internal cabin. One or more areas are within the internal cabin. The one or more areas include one or more water-drawing components. A water supply system is within the internal cabin. The water supply system is configured to provide water to the one or more water-drawing components. A water leak detection system includes one or more sensing devices configured to detect water flow from the water supply system to the one or more water-drawing components. One or more shut-off valves are disposed on or within the water supply system. A control unit is in communication with the one or more sensing devices, the one or more shut-off valves, and the one or more water-drawing components. The control unit is configured to operate the one or more shut-off valves to stop the supply of water to the one or more water-drawing components in response to the one or more sensing devices detecting the water flow when the one or more water-drawing components are not in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to and claims priority benefits from U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 63/212,137, filed Jun. 18, 2021,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to water leakdetection systems and methods, such as for lavatories and galleys withinan internal cabin of a commercial aircraft.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between variouslocations. A typical commercial aircraft includes one or more lavatoriesand one or more galleys within an internal cabin.

Water supply systems provide water to the lavatories and the galleyswithin internal cabins, such as through various conduits, tubes, pipes,and/or the like. As can be appreciated, a water leak onboard an aircraftcan poses various safety issues. There are multiple areas throughout anairplane, such as within a lavatory, where a leak can occur.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and method for effectively detecting waterleaks within an internal cabin of an aircraft, such as in relation to alavatory, galley, or the like within the internal cabin.

With that need in mind, certain examples of the present disclosureprovide a vehicle including an internal cabin. One or more areas arewithin the internal cabin. The one or more areas include one or morewater-drawing components. A water supply system is within the internalcabin. The water supply system is configured to provide water to the oneor more water-drawing components. A water leak detection system includesone or more sensing devices configured to detect water flow from thewater supply system to the one or more water-drawing components. One ormore shut-off valves are disposed on or within the water supply system.A control unit is in communication with the one or more sensing devices,the one or more shut-off valves, and the one or more water-drawingcomponents. The control unit is configured to operate the one or moreshut-off valves to stop the supply of water to the one or morewater-drawing components in response to the one or more sensing devicesdetecting the water flow when the one or more water-drawing componentsare not in use.

In at least one example, the vehicle is an aircraft. In at least oneexample, the one or more areas include one or both of a lavatory or agalley. In at least one example, the water-drawing components comprisesone or more of a faucet, a drinking fountain, a shower, a toilet, or abidet. In at least one example, the one or more shut-off valves includeone or more electromechanical solenoid shut-off valves.

In at least one example, the water supply system includes a water tankin fluid communication with a main water supply line. The main watersupply line is in fluid communication with the one or more water-drawingcomponents. In at least one further example, the one or more sensingdevices include a first sensing device configured to detect the waterflow proximate to the water tank, and the one or more shut-off valvesinclude a first shut-off valve proximate to the water tank. In at leastone further example, the one or more sensing devices further include oneor more second sensing devices configured to detect the water flowproximate to the one or more water-drawing components, and the one ormore shut-off valves include one or more second shut-off valvesproximate to the one or more water-drawing components.

In at least one example, the one or more sensing devices are configuredto detect the water flow proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents. The one or more shut-off valves are proximate to the one ormore water-drawing components.

In at least one example, a display is in communication with the controlunit. The control unit is configured to show status indications on thedisplay. As a further example, the display includes a status light. Thecontrol unit is in communication with the status light. As a furtherexample, the status light is on an exterior of a lavatory.

In at least one example, the water leak detection system furthercomprises a user interface in communication with the control unit, andwherein the user interface is configured to be engaged to run adiagnostic test for water leaks.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method of detectinga water leak within a vehicle. The method includes communicativelycoupling a control unit with one or more sensing devices configured todetect water flow from a water supply system to one or morewater-drawing components within one or more areas of the vehicle;communicatively coupling the control unit with one or more shut-offvalves disposed on or within the water supply system; communicativelycoupling the control unit with the one or more water-drawing components;and operating, by the control unit, the one or more shut-off valves tostop the supply of water to the one or more water-drawing components inresponse to the one or more sensing devices detecting the water flowwhen the one or more water-drawing components are not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a water leak detectionsystem within an internal cabin of a vehicle, according to example ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft, according toan example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric internal view of a lavatory, accordingto an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric top internal view of an aircraft,according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic internal view of a portion of an internalcabin, according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of a user interface,according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a water leak detectionsystem for a lavatory within an internal cabin of an aircraft, accordingto an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interface for a vacuum toilet flush module,according to an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an interface for a faucet control module, accordingto an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates an interface for a bidet control module, accordingto an example of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exterior of a lavatory, according to an exampleof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates a status light of a lavatory, according to anexample of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofcertain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in thesingular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood asnot necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further,references to “one example” are not intended to be interpreted asexcluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate therecited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary,examples “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elementshaving a particular condition can include additional elements not havingthat condition.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a water leakdetection system and method that is configured to operate in variousareas within an internal cabin, such as a lavatory, galley, or the like.The water leak detection system and method can be disposed within anexisting water supply system, such that all water that enters an areatravels through the water leak detection system. In an example, if waterflow is detected when a faucet control module and/or vacuum toiletflush/rinse are in use, no action is taken. If water flow is detectedwhen the faucet and toilet are not in use, the water leak detectionsystem indicates a water leak and the system shuts off water to thelavatory and sends a signal to the exterior lavatory status light,which, in response, flashes or otherwise illuminates (such as via anamber illumination and/or flashing) to indicate a detected water leak.

Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a vehicle includingan internal cabin having one or more areas, such as lavatories, galleys,and the like. The areas include one or more water-drawing components.For example, the lavatory includes one or more water-drawing components.A water supply system is within the internal cabin. The water supplysystem is configured to provide water to the areas. A water leakdetection system includes one or more sensing devices configured todetect water flow from the water supply system to the one or morewater-drawing components. One or more shut-off valves are disposed on orwithin the water supply system. A control unit is in communication withthe one or more sensing devices, the one or more shut-off valves, andthe one or more water-drawing components. The control unit is configuredto operate the shut-off valve to stop the supply of water to the one ormore water-drawing components in response to the one or more sensingdevices detecting the water flow and the one or more water-drawingcomponents not being in use.

In at least one example, the vehicle is an aircraft. As an example, thewater-drawing components include one or more of a faucet, a drinkingfountain, a toilet, a bidet, and/or the like. In at least one example,the one or more sensing devices include one or both of a sensor or ameter disposed on or within the water supply system. In at least oneexample, the shut-off valve is an electromechanical solenoid shut-offvalve.

In at least one example, the control unit is in communication with astatus light. The control unit is further configured to output an alertsignal to the status light. As an example, the status light is on anexterior of the lavatory.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a water leak detectionsystem 100 within an internal cabin 102 of a vehicle 104, according toexample of the present disclosure. The water leak detection system 100includes a water supply system 106 that has a water tank 108 thatretains a supply of water. The water tank 108 is in fluid communicationwith a main water supply line 110. In at least one example, a shut-offvalve 112 is disposed on and/or within the main water supply line 110proximate to the water tank 108. For example, the shut-off valve 112 isdisposed between the water tank 108 and areas 114 within the internalcabin 102 that include water-drawing components 116. A sensing device118 is in fluid communication with the water tank 108 and is configuredto detect flow of water out of the water tank 108.

The main water supply line 110 fluidly connects the water-drawingcomponents 116 of the areas 114 with the water supply system 106. Assuch, the water-drawing components 116 are configured to receive waterfrom the water tank 108 via the main water supply line 110. Shut-offvalves 120 are disposed in conduits that connect the water-drawingcomponents 116 to the main water supply line 110. Sensing devices 122are in fluid communication with the water-drawing components 116 and areconfigured to detect flow of water to and/or from the water-drawingcomponents 116.

The internal cabin 102 can include one or more areas 114. The internalcabin 102 can include numerous areas 114. Examples of the areas 114include a lavatory, a galley, a monument (such as closet), and/or thelike. Examples of the water-drawing components 116 include a faucet, adrinking fountain, a shower, a toilet, a bidet, and/or the like. Eacharea 114 can include one or more water-drawing components 116. Eachwater-drawing component 116 can be coupled to a separate sensing device122 and a separate shut-off valve 120.

The water leak detection system 100 further includes a control unit 124in communication with the shut-off valve 112, the sensing device 118,the shut-off valves 120, and the sensing devices 122, such as throughone or more wired or wireless connections. For example, the control unit124 can be in communication with any of the shut-off valve 112, thesensing device 118, the shut-off valves 120, and/or the sensing devices122 through hard wiring, wireless communication devices such asantennas, Wi-Fi receivers and transmitters, Bluetooth devices, and/orthe like. In at least one example, the control unit 124 is also incommunication with a user interface 126 within the internal cabin 102,such as through one or more wired or wireless connections. The userinterface 126 includes a display 128, such as a monitor, electronicscreen, television, one or more lights, a light emitting diode (LED)panel or screen, and/or the like. The display 128 is in communicationwith the control unit 124. The control unit 124 is configured to showstatus indications on the display 128.

In operation, the control unit 124 receives signals from the sensingdevice 118 and the sensing devices 122 regarding flow of water. Forexample, the control unit 124 receives signals from the sensing device118 that indicate that water is, or is not flowing from the water tank108 into the main water supply line 110. Similarly, the control unit 124receives signals from the sensing devices 122 that indicate that wateris, or is not flowing from the main water supply line 110 to thewater-drawing components 116.

The water supply system 106 is configured to provide water to thewater-drawing components 116 within the areas 114 of the internal cabin102. The areas 114 can be lavatories, galleys, monuments, such asclosets, and/or the like. The sensing device 118 is configured to detectwater flow from the water tank 108 into the main water supply line 110.The sensing devices 122 are configured to detect water flow from themain water supply line 110 of the water supply system 106 to thewater-drawing components 116. The shut-off valve 112 is disposed on orwithin the water supply system 106 between the water tank 108 and themain water supply line 110. The shut-off valves 120 are disposed on orwithin the water supply system 106 between the main water supply line110 and the water-drawing components 116.

In at least one example, the control unit 124 is in communication withthe sensing device 118, the sensing devices 122, the shut-off valve 112,the shut-off valves 120, the one or more water-drawing components 116,and the water tank 108, such as through one or more wired or wirelessconnections. The control unit 124 is configured to operate the shut-offvalve 112 to stop the supply of water from the water tank 108, and/or tooperate the shut-off valves 120 in response to the sensing device 118and/or the sensing devices 122 detecting water flow within the watersupply system 106 and also detecting that the one or more water-drawingcomponents 116 are not in use.

Examples of the sensing devices 118 and 122 include sensors, meters,and/or the like. The sensing devices 118 and 122 can be disposed onand/or within the water supply system 106 that supplies water to thewater-drawing components 116 throughout the internal cabin 102. Thewater supply system 106 includes one or more conduits, tubes, pipes,valves, and/or the like that are configured to provide water to thewater-drawing components 116.

The shut-off valves 112 and 120 can be various types of valves, such aselectromechanical solenoid valves. For example, each of the shut-offvalves 112 and 120 can be an electromechanical solenoid valve.

The control unit 124 can provide various status indications on thedisplay 128. For example, the control unit 124 can provide a visualmessage on the display 128 regarding a leak within the water supplysystem 106.

In at least one example, the control unit 124 is further incommunication with one or more water-drawing components 116 of alavatory 200, such as one or more of a faucet control module, a drinkingfountain control module, a shower control module, a vacuum toilet flushcontrol module, a bidet control module, and/or the like. The controlunit 124 receives signals from such control modules to determine whenthe water-drawing components 116 are in use. For example, when anindividual operates a faucet to draw water therefrom, the control unit124 receives one or more signals from such component indicating that thefaucet is in use.

In operation, the water leak detection system 100 monitors water flowinto the various areas 114, such as via the one or more sensing devices122. The control unit 124 is further in communication with one or morewater-drawing components 116 within the areas 114, as noted. Inparticular, the control unit 124 receives signals from such componentsthat indicate associated features are in use. When the features, such asa drinking fountain, shower, toilet flush, faucet, and/or bidet are inuse, the control unit 124 takes no further action. That is, the controlunit 124 takes no action such that water is supplied to such featureswhen in use. If, however, such features are not in use, but water flowis detected by the sensing device(s) 118, and/or the sensing devices122, the control unit 124 operates the shut-off valve 112 and/or the120, such as via outputting a control signal, to shut off or otherwisestop flow of water to the water-drawing components 116 (and/or to theareas 114, such as at a point where water is supplied to all of thewater-drawing components 116 of the areas 114), thus preventing anywater leak.

The control unit 124 can also output an alert signal to the display 128,such as a status light, which may, in response, emit an alert, such as acolored illumination, a flashing illumination, and/or the like, whichindicates to individuals (such as flight attendants) that a water leakhas been detected. In at least one example, the alert can be a flashingamber illumination.

The water leak detection system 100 can be designed for the uniquerequirements for airplane certification, such as with respect toflammability, pressure (air and water) differentials, temperaturedifferentials, vibration, reliability and endurance, hard water, failsafe, and/or the like.

As noted, the water leak detection system 100 is configured for usewithin the areas 114 of the internal cabin 102 of the vehicle 104. Theareas 114 includes lavatories, galleys, and/or various other areas thatinclude water-drawing components 116. The vehicle 104 can be anaircraft. Optionally, the water detection system 100 can be used withvarious other vehicles, such as a land-based vehicle (such as a bus,train, or the like), a water-based vehicle (such as a passenger cruiseship), a spacecraft, or the like.

In at least one other example, the water leak detection system 100includes the shut-off valve 112, but not the shut-off valves 120. In atleast one other example, the water leak detection system 100 includesthe shut-off valves 120, but not the shut-off valve 112.

As described herein, the vehicle 104 includes the internal cabin 102.One or more areas 114 are within the internal cabin 102. The one or moreareas 114 include one or more water-drawing components 116. The watersupply system 106 is within the internal cabin 102. The water supplysystem 106 is configured to provide water to the one or morewater-drawing components 116. The water leak detection system 100includes one or more sensing devices 118 and/or 122 configured to detectwater flow from the water supply system 106 to the one or morewater-drawing components 116. One or more shut-off valves 112 and/or 120are disposed on or within the water supply system 106. The control unit124 is in communication with the one or more sensing devices 118 and/or122, the one or more shut-off valves 112 and/or 120, and the one or morewater-drawing components 116. The control unit 124 is configured tooperate the one or more shut-off valves 112 and/or 120 to stop thesupply of water to the one or more water-drawing components 116 inresponse to the one or more sensing devices 118 and/or 122 detecting thewater flow when the one or more water-drawing components 116 are not inuse.

As used herein, the term “control unit,” “central processing unit,”“unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” or the like can include any processor-basedor microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers,reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit orprocessor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capableof executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only,and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/ormeaning of such terms. For example, the control unit 124 can be orinclude one or more processors that are configured to control operationthereof, as described herein.

The control unit(s), such as the control unit 124, are configured toexecute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more datastorage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order toprocess data. For example, the control unit 124 can include or becoupled to one or more memories. The data storage units can also storedata or other information as desired or needed. The data storage unitscan be in the form of an information source or a physical memory elementwithin a processing machine. The one or more data storage units orelements can comprise volatile memory or nonvolatile memory, or caninclude both volatile and nonvolatile memory. As an example, thenonvolatile memory can comprise read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM(PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasablePROM (EEPROM), and/or flash memory and volatile memory can includerandom access memory (RAM), which can act as external cache memory. Thedata stores of the disclosed systems and methods is intended tocomprise, without being limited to, these and any other suitable typesof memory.

The set of instructions can include various commands that instruct thecontrol unit(s), such as the control unit 124, as a processing machineto perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of thevarious examples of the subject matter described herein. The set ofinstructions can be in the form of a software program. The software canbe in various forms such as system software or application software.Further, the software can be in the form of a collection of separateprograms, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of aprogram. The software can also include modular programming in the formof object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by theprocessing machine can be in response to user commands, or in responseto results of previous processing, or in response to a request made byanother processing machine.

The diagrams of examples herein can illustrate one or more control orprocessing units, such as the control unit 124. It is to be understoodthat the processing or control units can represent circuits, circuitry,or portions thereof that can be implemented as hardware with associatedinstructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM,RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. Thehardware can include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform thefunctions described herein. Optionally, the hardware can includeelectronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or morelogic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers,or the like. Optionally, the control unit(s), such as the control unit124, can represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in variousexamples can be configured to execute one or more algorithms to performfunctions described herein. The one or more algorithms can includeaspects of examples disclosed herein, whether or not expresslyidentified in a flowchart or a method.

As used herein, the terms “software” and “firmware” are interchangeable,and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (forexample, one or more memories) for execution by a computer, includingRAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatileRAM (NVRAM) memory. The above data storage unit types are exemplaryonly, and are thus not limiting as to the types of memory usable forstorage of a computer program.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft 10, accordingto an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft 10 is an exampleof the vehicle 104, shown in FIG. 1 . The aircraft 10 includes apropulsion system 12 that includes engines 14, for example. Optionally,the propulsion system 12 may include more engines 14 than shown. Theengines 14 are carried by wings 16 of the aircraft 10. In otherexamples, the engines 14 may be carried by a fuselage 18 and/or anempennage 20. The empennage 20 may also support horizontal stabilizers22 and a vertical stabilizer 24.

The fuselage 18 of the aircraft 10 defines an internal cabin 30, whichincludes a flight deck or cockpit, one or more work sections (forexample, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), oneor more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class,and coach sections), one or more lavatories, and/or the like. Theinternal cabin 30 is an example of the internal cabin 102, shown in FIG.1 .

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, examples of the presentdisclosure may be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles,buses, locomotives and train cars, watercraft, and the like. Further,examples of the present disclosure may be used with respect to fixedstructures, such as commercial and residential buildings.

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric internal view of a lavatory 200,according to an example of the present disclosure. The lavatory 200 isan example of an area 114, shown in FIG. 1 . The lavatory 200 is anexample of an enclosed space or chamber, such as within the internalcabin of the aircraft 10, shown in FIG. 2 . The lavatory 200 may beonboard an aircraft. Optionally, the lavatory 200 may be onboard variousother vehicles. In other examples, the lavatory 200 may be within afixed structure, such as a commercial or residential building. Thelavatory 200 includes a base floor 201 that supports a toilet 202, oneor more cabinets 204, a sink 206 or wash basin, and a faucet 207. Thelavatory 200 may be arranged differently than shown. The lavatory 200may include more or less components than shown. The toilet 202 and thefaucet 207 are examples of water-drawing components 116, shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric top internal view of an aircraft 300,according to an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft 300 isan example of a vehicle 104, shown in FIG. 1 . The aircraft 300 includesnumerous areas that include water-drawing components. For example, theaircraft 300 includes an aft galley 302, aft lavatories 304, mid galleys306, a mid lavatory 308, a forward galley 310, and a forward lavatory312, each of which is an area, such as an area 114 shown in FIG. 1 ,that includes one or more water-drawing components. A water distributionline 314 can be disposed underneath a floor of an internal cabin (oroptionally above a ceiling or in other areas), and is configured toprovide water to the various water-drawing components, as describedherein. The water distribution line 314 is an example of the main watersupply line 110 shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic internal view of a portion of an internalcabin 102, according to an example of the present disclosure. As shown,the water tank 108 can be disposed underneath a floor 140. The internalcabin 102 includes various areas, such as a forward lavatory 114 a, aforward galley 114 b, an aft lavatory 114 c, and an aft galley 114 d.The shut-off valve 112 is disposed in the main water supply line 110proximate to an outlet 142 of the water tank 108. The shut-off valves120 are disposed in the main water supply line 110, and/or conduitsconnected to the main water supply line 110, proximate to the waterdrawing-components 116, such as at or proximate to water outlets of thewater drawing-components 116. The user interface 126 is disposed withinthe internal cabin 102, such as within an attendant work station.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective front view of a user interface 126,according to an example of the present disclosure. The user interface126 includes the display 128, which can be an electronic monitor,screen, television, or the like. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6 , thecontrol unit 124 is in communication with the user interface 126 and isconfigured to show various messages, such as status indications, on thedisplay 128. For example, the control unit 124 can show, on the display128 a diagnostic graphic 400, a normal operation graphic 402 (indicatingno leaks), and a leak warning graphic 404.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , the sensing device 118 monitors water flowfrom the water tank 108. If the control unit 124 detects water flowingfrom the water tank 108 and that a water-drawing component 116 is in use(such that water is to flow to and/or from the water-drawing component116), then the control unit 124 allows the water flow (for example, doesnot close the shut-off valve(s)). If, however, the control unit 124detects, via the sensing device 118, water flow in relation to the watertank 108 (for example, water flowing from the water tank 108), but waterflow confirmation is not received from the water-drawing components 116(such as via associated control modules), then the control unit 124operates the shut-off valve 112 to stop water flowing from the watertank 108. The control unit 124 can then provide an alert on the display128 indicating the existence of a water leak.

In at least one example, the control unit 124 monitors water flow viathe sensing devices 118 and/or 122. A maintenance feature can be shownon the display 128. At any time, an individual can engage the userinterface 126, such as via a touchscreen interface, a keypad, or thelike, to run a diagnostic test for water leaks. For example, thediagnostic test can be performed between flights of an aircraft, whenthere is nobody on the airplane and no water is in use. The diagnostictest can also be performed remotely, for example an offsite aircraftmaintenance facility hub can monitor aircraft status for a singleaircraft, or a fleet of aircraft, via the internet, or mobileconnectivity. Such capability can be part of a connected cabin and theInternet of Things (IoT) with airplane to ground based fleet operations.With this capability, maintenance crews are alerted to the issue (leak)and can be at the ready to address and/or repair the issue as soon aspossible.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1and 7 , at 500, the water tank 108 provides water, such as to the mainwater supply line 110. At 502, the sensing device 118 monitors waterflow from the water tank 108. In particular, the sensing device 118outputs sensing signals indicative of water flow to the control unit124. At 504, the sensing devices 122 monitor water flow into the areas114, such as into the water-drawing components 116. The sensing devices122 output signals indicative of water flow to the control unit 124.

At 506, if the control unit 124, based on the signals received from thesensing devices 122, determines that the water-drawing components 116are in use, then the control unit 124 does not interrupt water flow.Instead, the water-drawing components 116 operate normally, and themethod returns to 502.

If, however, the control unit 124 determines that the water-drawingcomponents 116 are not in use, but detects water flow to thewater-drawing components 116, the control unit 124 at 508 operates theshut-off valve 112 to close, thereby stopping water flow from the watertank 108. The control unit 124 can further output an alert signal at510, such as to the user interface 126, indicative of a water leak. Byclosing the shut-off valve 112 at 508, the water-drawing components 116are inoperable at 512, thereby requiring maintenance at 514.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a water leak detectionsystem 100 for a lavatory 600 within an internal cabin 602 of anaircraft 604, according to an example of the present disclosure. Thewater leak detection system 100 includes one or more sensing devices606, such as a sensor 608 and/or a meter 610, disposed on and/or withina water supply system 612 that supplies water to the lavatory 600. Thewater supply system 612 includes one or more conduits, tubes, pipes,valves, and/or the like that are configured to provide water tocomponents within the lavatory 600, such as a faucet and toilet. Thewater leak detection system 100 also includes a control unit 124 incommunication with the sensor 608 and/or meter 610, such as through oneor more wired or wireless connections.

The control unit 124 is further in communication with a shut-off valve620 disposed on and/or within the water supply system 612. As anexample, the shut-off valve 620 is an electromechanical solenoid valve.

The control unit 124 can also be in communication with an exteriorstatus light 622 of the lavatory 600, such as through one or more wiredor wireless connections. The exterior status light 622 is an example ofa display 128, shown in FIG. 1 . The control unit 124 is further incommunication with one or more water-drawing components of the lavatory600, such as one or more of a faucet control module 640, a vacuum toiletflush module 642, and/or a bidet control module 644.

In operation, the water leak detection system 100 monitors water flowinto the lavatory 600, such as via the one or more sensing devices 606.The control unit 124 is further in communication with one or morewater-drawing components within the lavatory 600, such as the faucetcontrol module 640, the vacuum toilet flush module 642, and/or the bidetcontrol module 644. In particular, the control unit 124 receives signalsfrom such components that indicate associated features are in use. Whenthe features, such as toilet flush, faucet, and/or bidet are in use, thecontrol unit 124 takes no further action. That is, the control unit 124takes no action such that water is supplied to such features when inuse. If, however, such features are not in use, but water flow isdetected by the sensing device(s) 606, the control unit 124 operates theshut-off valve 620, such as via outputting a control signal, to shut offor otherwise stop flow of water to the water-drawing components (and/orto the lavatory 600, such as at a point where water is supplied to allof the water-drawing components of the lavatory 600), thus preventingany water leak.

The control unit 124 can also output an alert signal to the status light622, which may, in response, emit an alert, such as a coloredillumination, a flashing illumination, and/or the like, which indicatesto individuals (such as flight attendants) that a water leak has beendetected. In at least one example, the alert can be a flashing amberillumination.

The water leak detection system 100 can be designed for the uniquerequirements for airplane certification, such as with respect toflammability, pressure (air and water) differentials, temperaturedifferentials, vibration, reliability and endurance, hard water, failsafe, and/or the like.

As noted, the water detection system 100 is configured for use withinthe lavatory 600 of an internal cabin 602 of an aircraft. Optionally,the water detection system 100 can be used with various other vehicles,such as a land-based vehicle (such as a bus, train, or the like), awater-based vehicle (such as a passenger cruise ship), a spacecraft, orthe like.

The water leak detection system 100 can include sensing devicesproximate to the water-drawing components. Optionally, the water leakdetection system 100 can also include sensing devices and a shut-offvalve proximate to a water tank, as described above with respect to FIG.1 , for example.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 8and 9 , at 700, water is supplied to the lavatory 600. At 702, thesensing devices 606 monitor water flow in the lavatory 600.

At 704, the control unit 124 detects if water-drawing components of thelavatory 600 are in use. If yes, the shut-off valve 620 remains open at706, and the control unit 124 takes no further action.

If, however, such water-drawing components are not in use, but thesensing devices 606 detect water flow at 704, the control unit 124operates the shut-off valve 620 to stop the flow of water into thelavatory. The exterior status light 622 flashes the alert at 708,thereby alerting flight crew of the leak.

FIG. 10 illustrates an interface 800 for a vacuum toilet flush module.FIG. 11 illustrates an interface 802 for a faucet control module. FIG.12 illustrates an interface 804 for a bidet control module. Referring toFIGS. 1-12 , the systems and methods may or may not include definedinterfaces, such as shown. Further, the systems and methods may notinclude a bidet control module or a bidet, for example. FIGS. 10-12illustrate examples of interfaces for certain exemplary water-drawingcomponents. Various other types of water-drawing components can be used.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exterior of a lavatory 600. FIG. 14 illustrates astatus light 810 of the lavatory 600. The status light 810 is an exampleof the status light 622 shown in FIG. 8 . As shown, the status light 810can be above an entrance of the lavatory 600. Optionally, the statuslight 810 can be at various other areas of the internal cabin.Alternatively, the systems and methods may not include status lights.Instead, the control unit 124 can be in communication with userinterfaces, such as computer workstations, handheld devices (such assmart phones), and/or the like, which can indicate water leak alertscommunicated from the control unit.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flow chart of a water leak detection method,according to an example of the present disclosure. The method includescommunicatively coupling, at 900, a control unit with one or moresensing devices configured to detect water flow from a water supplysystem to one or more water-drawing components within one or more areasof the vehicle. The method also includes communicatively coupling, at902, the control unit with one or more shut-off valves disposed on orwithin the water supply system. The method also includes communicativelycoupling, at 904, the control unit with the one or more water-drawingcomponents. The method also includes operating, at 906 by the controlunit, the one or more shut-off valves to stop the supply of water to theone or more water-drawing components in response to the one or moresensing devices detecting the water flow when the one or morewater-drawing components are not in use.

Further, the disclosure comprises examples according to the followingclauses:

Clause 1. A vehicle comprising:

-   -   an internal cabin;    -   one or more areas within the internal cabin, wherein the one or        more areas include one or more water-drawing components;    -   a water supply system within the internal cabin, wherein the        water supply system is configured to provide water to the one or        more water-drawing components; and    -   a water leak detection system comprising:        -   one or more sensing devices configured to detect water flow            from the water supply system to the one or more            water-drawing components;        -   one or more shut-off valves disposed on or within the water            supply system; and        -   a control unit in communication with the one or more sensing            devices, the one or more shut-off valves, and the one or            more water-drawing components, wherein the control unit is            configured to operate the one or more shut-off valves to            stop the supply of water to the one or more water-drawing            components in response to the one or more sensing devices            detecting the water flow when the one or more water-drawing            components are not in use.

Clause 2. The vehicle of Clause 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

Clause 3. The vehicle of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the one or more areascomprises one or both of a lavatory or a galley.

Clause 4. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the one or morewater-drawing components comprise one or more of a faucet, a drinkingfountain, a shower, a toilet, or a bidet.

Clause 5. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the one or moreshut-off valves comprise an electromechanical solenoid shut-off valve.

Clause 6. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the water supplysystem comprises a water tank in fluid communication with a main watersupply line, and wherein the main water supply line is in fluidcommunication with the one or more water-drawing components.

Clause 7. The vehicle of Clause 6, wherein the one or more sensingdevices comprise a first sensing device configured to detect the waterflow proximate to the water tank, and wherein the one or more shut-offvalves comprise a first shut-off valve proximate to the water tank.

Clause 8. The vehicle of Clause 7, wherein the one or more sensingdevices further comprise one or more second sensing devices configuredto detect the water flow proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents, and wherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise one ormore second shut-off valves proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents.

Clause 9. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the one or moresensing devices are configured to detect the water flow proximate to theone or more water-drawing components, and wherein the one or moreshut-off valves are proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents.

Clause 10. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-9, further comprising adisplay in communication with the control unit, wherein the control unitis configured to show status indications on the display.

Clause 11. The vehicle of Clause 10 wherein the display includes astatus light, wherein the control unit is in communication with thestatus light, and wherein the status light is on an exterior of alavatory.

Clause 12. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-11, wherein the water leakdetection system further comprises a user interface in communicationwith the control unit, and wherein the user interface is configured tobe engaged to run a diagnostic test for water leaks.

Clause 13. A method of detecting a water leak within a vehicle, themethod comprising:

-   -   communicatively coupling a control unit with one or more sensing        devices configured to detect water flow from a water supply        system to one or more water-drawing components within one or        more areas of the vehicle;    -   communicatively coupling the control unit with one or more        shut-off valves disposed on or within the water supply system;    -   communicatively coupling the control unit with the one or more        water-drawing components; and    -   operating, by the control unit, the one or more shut-off valves        to stop the supply of water to the one or more water-drawing        components in response to the one or more sensing devices        detecting the water flow when the one or more water-drawing        components are not in use.

Clause 14. The method of Clause 13, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft,wherein the one or more areas comprises one or both of a lavatory or agalley, and wherein the one or more water-drawing components compriseone or more of a faucet, a drinking fountain, a shower, a toilet, or abidet.

Clause 15. The method of Clauses 13 or 14, wherein the water supplysystem comprises a water tank in fluid communication with a main watersupply line, and wherein the main water supply line is in fluidcommunication with the one or more water-drawing components.

Clause 16. The method of Clause 15, wherein the one or more sensingdevices comprises a first sensing device configured to detect the waterflow proximate to the water tank, and wherein the one or more shut-offvalves comprise a first shut-off valve proximate to the water tank.

Clause 17. The method of Clause 16, wherein the one or more sensingdevices further comprise one or more second sensing devices configuredto detect the water flow proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents, and wherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise one ormore second shut-off valves proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents.

Clause 18. The method of Clauses 13 or 14, wherein the one or moresensing devices are configured to detect the water flow proximate to theone or more water-drawing components, and wherein the one or moreshut-off valves are proximate to the one or more water-drawingcomponents.

Clause 19. A water leak detection system for a vehicle, the water leakdetection system comprising:

-   -   one or more sensing devices configured to detect water flow from        a water supply system of the vehicle to one or more        water-drawing components within one or more areas of an internal        cabin of the vehicle;    -   one or more shut-off valves disposed on or within the water        supply system; and    -   a control unit in communication with the one or more sensing        devices, the one or more shut-off valves, and the one or more        water-drawing components, wherein the control unit is configured        to operate the one or more shut-off valves to stop the supply of        water to the one or more water-drawing components in response to        the one or more sensing devices detecting the water flow when        the one or more water-drawing components are not in use.

Clause 20. The water leak detection system of claim 19, wherein the oneor more sensing devices comprise:

-   -   a first sensing device configured to detect the water flow        proximate to the water tank, and wherein the one or more        shut-off valves comprise a first shut-off valve proximate to the        water tank; and    -   one or more second sensing devices configured to detect the        water flow proximate to the one or more water-drawing        components, and wherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise        one or more second shut-off valves proximate to the one or more        water-drawing components.

As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systemsand methods for effectively detecting water leaks within an internalcabin of an aircraft.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used todescribe examples of the present disclosure, it is understood that suchterms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configuredto” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed,constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task oroperation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an objectthat is merely capable of being modified to perform the task oroperation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as usedherein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedexamples (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with eachother. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the various examples of thedisclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions andtypes of materials described herein are intended to define theparameters of the various examples of the disclosure, the examples areby no means limiting and are exemplary examples. Many other exampleswill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. The scope of the various examples of the disclosure should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Inthe appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms“including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents ofthe respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms“first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further,the limitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expresslyuse the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void offurther structure.

This written description uses examples to disclose the various examplesof the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable anyperson skilled in the art to practice the various examples of thedisclosure, including making and using any devices or systems andperforming any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the variousexamples of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can includeother examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such otherexamples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if theexamples have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of theclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle comprising: an internal cabin; one ormore areas within the internal cabin, wherein the one or more areasinclude one or more water-drawing components; a water supply systemwithin the internal cabin, wherein the water supply system is configuredto provide water to the one or more water-drawing components; and awater leak detection system comprising: one or more sensing devicesconfigured to detect water flow from the water supply system to the oneor more water-drawing components; one or more shut-off valves disposedon or within the water supply system; and a control unit incommunication with the one or more sensing devices, the one or moreshut-off valves, and the one or more water-drawing components, whereinthe control unit is configured to operate the one or more shut-offvalves to stop the supply of water to the one or more water-drawingcomponents in response to the one or more sensing devices detecting thewater flow when the one or more water-drawing components are not in use.2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.
 3. Thevehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more areas comprises one or bothof a lavatory or a galley.
 4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one ormore water-drawing components comprise one or more of a faucet, adrinking fountain, a shower, a toilet, or a bidet.
 5. The vehicle ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise anelectromechanical solenoid shut-off valve.
 6. The vehicle of claim 1,wherein the water supply system comprises a water tank in fluidcommunication with a main water supply line, and wherein the main watersupply line is in fluid communication with the one or more water-drawingcomponents.
 7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the one or more sensingdevices comprise a first sensing device configured to detect the waterflow proximate to the water tank, and wherein the one or more shut-offvalves comprise a first shut-off valve proximate to the water tank. 8.The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the one or more sensing devices furthercomprise one or more second sensing devices configured to detect thewater flow proximate to the one or more water-drawing components, andwherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise one or more secondshut-off valves proximate to the one or more water-drawing components.9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensing devices areconfigured to detect the water flow proximate to the one or morewater-drawing components, and wherein the one or more shut-off valvesare proximate to the one or more water-drawing components.
 10. Thevehicle of claim 1, further comprising a display in communication withthe control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to show statusindications on the display.
 11. The vehicle of claim 10 wherein thedisplay includes a status light, wherein the control unit is incommunication with the status light, and wherein the status light is onan exterior of a lavatory.
 12. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the waterleak detection system further comprises a user interface incommunication with the control unit, and wherein the user interface isconfigured to be engaged to run a diagnostic test for water leaks.
 13. Amethod of detecting a water leak within a vehicle, the methodcomprising: communicatively coupling a control unit with one or moresensing devices configured to detect water flow from a water supplysystem to one or more water-drawing components within one or more areasof the vehicle; communicatively coupling the control unit with one ormore shut-off valves disposed on or within the water supply system;communicatively coupling the control unit with the one or morewater-drawing components; and operating, by the control unit, the one ormore shut-off valves to stop the supply of water to the one or morewater-drawing components in response to the one or more sensing devicesdetecting the water flow when the one or more water-drawing componentsare not in use.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the vehicle is anaircraft, wherein the one or more areas comprises one or both of alavatory or a galley, and wherein the one or more water-drawingcomponents comprise one or more of a faucet, a drinking fountain, ashower, a toilet, or a bidet.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thewater supply system comprises a water tank in fluid communication with amain water supply line, and wherein the main water supply line is influid communication with the one or more water-drawing components. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein the one or more sensing devicescomprises a first sensing device configured to detect the water flowproximate to the water tank, and wherein the one or more shut-off valvescomprise a first shut-off valve proximate to the water tank.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensing devices furthercomprise one or more second sensing devices configured to detect thewater flow proximate to the one or more water-drawing components, andwherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise one or more secondshut-off valves proximate to the one or more water-drawing components.18. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more sensing devices areconfigured to detect the water flow proximate to the one or morewater-drawing components, and wherein the one or more shut-off valvesare proximate to the one or more water-drawing components.
 19. A waterleak detection system for a vehicle, the water leak detection systemcomprising: one or more sensing devices configured to detect water flowfrom a water supply system of the vehicle to one or more water-drawingcomponents within one or more areas of an internal cabin of the vehicle;one or more shut-off valves disposed on or within the water supplysystem; and a control unit in communication with the one or more sensingdevices, the one or more shut-off valves, and the one or morewater-drawing components, wherein the control unit is configured tooperate the one or more shut-off valves to stop the supply of water tothe one or more water-drawing components in response to the one or moresensing devices detecting the water flow when the one or morewater-drawing components are not in use.
 20. The water leak detectionsystem of claim 19, wherein the one or more sensing devices comprise: afirst sensing device configured to detect the water flow proximate tothe water tank, and wherein the one or more shut-off valves comprise afirst shut-off valve proximate to the water tank; and one or more secondsensing devices configured to detect the water flow proximate to the oneor more water-drawing components, and wherein the one or more shut-offvalves comprise one or more second shut-off valves proximate to the oneor more water-drawing components.